Volunteering

RedBeach Surf Life Saving Club prides itself on being a family club and, given the environment in which we operate, we need higher levels of parental involvement than other sports. To help make surf lifesaving an enjoyable and safe experience for your child, we need parents to volunteer their time in a range of ways.

Coaching

Coaching and managing is a rewarding way to contribute to our Red Beach Surf Club community and to meet others who share an interest in our sport. Every age group needs a head coach to oversee Sunday training sessions.

Head coaches are responsible for planning and leading Sunday training sessions. Coaches are supported by the club's Sport Coordinator and Education Coordinator to deliver a fun surf lifesaving programme that teaches both sport skills and beach safety and lifesaving skills. Coaches are well supported with tools and guidance, including workshops, training programme suggestions and opportunities to participate in SLSNZ coaching courses.

Each group also requires a number of assistant coaches to help the head coach and, while a good understanding of surf lifesaving is desirable, the most important thing is to have enthusiasm for the sport and an ability to create a fun environment for children to learn new skills.

All other parents are expected to be present at their child's training session and to help as needed, including assisting children to clean and put away gear at the end of the session.

Managing

Each age group also needs a manager. Managers are responsible for signing children in and out each Sunday, risk assessment forms, communicating key information to their group, managing their group at carnivals, and recording skills achieved for the Surf Skills Certificates at the end of the season. You need good organisational and communication skills, and a good sense of humour!

Officials and water safety

Red Beach is one of the largest junior surf clubs in New Zealand and we have a culture of encouraging as many children as possible to participate in surf carnivals. We often have the biggest team at carnivals, but for all these children to be allowed to compete we have to supply one official for every 10 junior competitors, as well as water safety people.

Officiating at carnivals is a rewarding way to get involved in surf lifesaving and to get a better understanding of the events your child is competing in. At carnivals, you also get the best view of the action! The club supports parents to complete an SLSNZ officials course so you are well trained for the job.

Those volunteering to do water safety at carnivals need to be a refreshed lifeguard – it's a great reason to get your bronze medallion, for which the club will provide all the training and support required.

Fundraising

Surf lifesaving requires a lot of expensive equipment and Red Beach Surf Club has one of the best gear sheds in the country. This has taken a lot of hard work through fundraising so any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated. This can range from volunteering to man the Junior Committee's barbecue on Sundays, selling raffle tickets and supporting club fundraising events.

If you have an idea to help the club raise funds, please contact Junior Fundraising Coordinator Cecilia Tyne – ceciliaaagren@hotmail.com.